FROM working on luscious sets in the Royal Opera House, to producing huge billboard signs seen by millions of people, apprenticeships offer something for everyone.

Gone are the days where they were considered a second class education behind A-levels. Instead you can now work and study in some of the country’s fastest-growing and most dynamic industries.

As youth unemployment rises across the country, the Echo is joining forces with South Essex College to get more young people into apprentice schemes and set them on a path for the rest of their lives.

Our joint campaign aims to get 100 young people signed up with businesses over the next 100 days.

We’ll be highlighting success stories, focusing on how youngsters can help businesses, and looking at the wider issues surrounding youth unemployment.

Speaking about the launch of our campaign, Chris Hatton, the Echo’s deputy editor, said: “Youth unemployment is a massive problem all over the country and, as a community newspaper, we’re keen to do everything we can to try to tackle it.

“Getting more young people into work and onto a career path is incredibly beneficial, not only to them, but to the wider community.

“Businesses will also benefit a tremendous amount from taking on a worker who is keen, willing and eager to learn – all at a very cost-effective rate.”

More than 40 apprenticeships from technical theatre, finance, engineering and catering are available at campuses across Southend, Basildon and Thurrock through South Essex College.

Very simply, the schemes offer on-the-job training, with some classroom theory as well. By the end of the course, students will have practical training as well as a recognised qualification.

Many apprentices are paid by employers, a minimum £95 a week, though the current average is about £170 per week.

The Government agrees with the programme and over 2010/11 will invest £605million into apprenticeships.

This means for 16 to 18-year-olds the Government fully funds the costs of your training and part funding is available for older apprentices.

Jan Hodges, principal and chief executive of South Essex College, said: “This is a real win-win for employers, for young people and for the local economy.

“There is no better way for local businesses to support the local economy right now than by pledging to take on an apprentice in 2011. Employers can help us make a real impact on youth unemployment figures across south Essex while growing their business.

“We have young people ready and waiting to join a range of different sectors. We will provide the training for free for 16 to 18-year-olds and the cost to employers is very little.

“The problem is not nearly enough employers are getting on board and supporting apprenticeships.

“Sometimes this is because they are not aware of how apprenticeships have changed, how many new types of apprenticeship there are, and crucially, they don’t realise the positive impact an apprentice will make on their businesses.”

A clear sign that apprenticeships are changing comes in the form of 18-year-old Hannah Lloyd.

The South Essex College student has had an apprenticeship in business management since September, at Ace Signs Group, in Basildon.

The company, which celebrates its 50th birthday this year, works with Tesco, Honda, Aston Martin and KFC, and pretty much everyone else in between.

Hannah is predominantly based at the business, but one evening a week studies the theory of business management at the college.

She said: “Being 18, I’m by far the youngest person doing this qualification, so I feel very privileged to be doing the business management apprenticeship. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me.

“The theory you get taught is great as you get to put it all into practice in the workplace and I am able to bring my own experiences to it.

“People know you are willing to learn and have given a commitment to the company – so you are willing to put yourself out there and people really appreciate that.

“When I’m on site I’m managing the fitters and health and safety, so it depends how big the site is – I could be managing from two people up to ten.”

With her pink high-visibility jacket and pink wellies, Hannah certainly stands out from the crowd in an area which is predominantly male dominated – not that she’s fazed.

She said: “It is a big change for me as I did go to an all girls’ school, but I’m not treated any differently and am just as respected.

“I went to a KFC site recently and out of 30 people I was the only female on site.”